Safeguarding Policy

1Principles & Purpose

Domhan Green Society is dedicated to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all participants across our community initiatives, workshops, and peer networks. In alignment with Article 13 of the DGS Constitution, national legislation, and guidance from Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), we operate under clear standards to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults from all forms of neglect, exploitation, or abuse.

2Statutory Vetting (Garda Vetting Standards)

In strict compliance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 and Article 13.3 of the DGS Constitution:

• check_circleMandatory Prior Vetting: Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 and Article 13 of the DGS Constitution, Garda vetting must be fully completed before any contact begins with children or vulnerable adults, including all peer mentors and workshop leads.
• check_circleWomen's Support Initiatives: All Women’s Leadership Circle volunteers and facilitators must complete formal Garda vetting prior to engaging with community participants.
• check_circleSafeguarding Induction: Every mentor and designated volunteer must complete the mandatory DGS safeguarding induction and formally sign our Volunteer & Mentor Code of Conduct.

3Absolute Anonymity & Protection of Sensitive Journeys

DGS adheres to a strict standard regarding vulnerable participants and sensitive life stories:

• check_circleNon-Waivable Anonymity: Nobody is ever identified in any material, story, or photograph published in connection with gender-based violence (GBV) or mental health.
• check_circleUncompromising Safeguard: These journeys are published entirely anonymously (using neutral pseudonyms and without identifiable imagery, locations, or dates) or not published at all.
• check_circleCannot Be Waived: This rule is non-waivable, even if a participant or volunteer offers consent to be named.

4Emergency Situations & Boundaries of Support

• check_circleNot a Crisis Clinic: Domhan Green Society is a community organisation and does not provide emergency, psychiatric, medical, legal, or immigration advice.
• check_circleImmediate Danger: If an individual is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical/crisis support in Ireland, emergency services must be contacted immediately on 112 or 999.
• check_circleSignposting & Referral: When a participant discloses trauma, domestic abuse, or severe mental health difficulties, our team strictly signposts them toward specialized, accredited statutory and support bodies (such as Women’s Aid Cork or the HSE).

5Image, Voice & Consent Safeguards

In accordance with ethical communications guidelines (aligned with the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages):

• check_circleChildren's Privacy: No photograph, video, or identifiable representation of any person under the age of 18 is ever captured or published without verified, written parental/guardian consent.
• check_circleDignity in Representation: We strictly prohibit imagery depicting distress, crying, queues, or power imbalances.
• check_circleUnconditional Withdrawal: Any individual retains the permanent right to withdraw consent and have their image or story removed from our platforms immediately upon request.